The body of Whitney Houston is on its way to New Jersey. Insiders tell TMZ the singer is actually being transported east on Tyler Perry’s private jet, as that movie mogul offered up its services as soon as he arrived at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Saturday. According to NBC New York, meanwhile, a funeral will take place later this week in Newark, where mourners have already gathered, leaving flowers and signs outside the church Houston sang at as a child. No other details are available at this time, though The Newark Star-Ledger reports Whigham Funeral Home, which has organized services for several of Whitney’s family members, will handle the arrangements. Based on the latest leaks, Houston died inside her hotel room on Saturday as the result of mixing multiple prescription pills with alcohol . Her body, submerged in bathtub water, was discovered by the artist’s aunt.
Adele, Jennifer Hudson, LL Cool J nail it, while Nicki Minaj stumbles. By Gil Kaufman Adele wins at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Photo: Robyn Beck/ AFP/ Getty Images Any way you cut it, Sunday night’s Grammys were huge for Adele , the Foo Fighters and Kanye West . All three artists came away with an armload of golden gramophones at a ceremony that artfully managed to celebrate the vibrancy of contemporary music while finding just the right way to pay tribute to fallen diva Whitney Houston . Adele swept the night’s major categories , taking Song, Record and Album of the Year on the way to putting a check beside all six of her nominations, with the Foos just behind with five wins and an absent Kanye nabbing four. But who really stole the spotlight at the show and who managed to win without nabbing any hardware? Let’s take a look at the true winners and losers at the ceremony. Winner: LL Cool J Not only did Uncle L get some serious prime-time exposure and represent for hip-hop on music’s biggest night, but he opened the show with a thoughtful, perfectly measured prayer for Houston that set the tone for the entire evening. Winner: Jennifer Hudson Note to any singer thinking about tackling “I Will Always Love You” ever again: Don’t bother. Hudson ‘s spine-tingling, perfectly pitched tribute to Whitney was a show-stopping cover of the trickiest, biggest song in the late singer’s repertoire that nearly stole the night. It was made all the more dramatic by the feeling that avowed superfan Hudson was legitimately on the verge of tears throughout the performance. Loser: Nicki Minaj Though it had plenty of energy, Nicki’s confusing, all-over-the-place “Exorcist”-meets-sexy-gothic/horror religious allegory was Grammy night’s most polarizing performance . Parts of “Roman’s Holiday” felt ripped right from the Madonna and Lady Gaga handbook of outrage — fitting, since Gaga’s former right-hand woman/choreographer, Laurieann Gibson, was Nicki’s collaborator — but some hip-hop purists felt she was reaching for the pop brass ring too hard. Loser: Anyone who thought they were going to win a major award As if there had been any question going into the night who would take the three biggies, it became clear, despite some tough competition from Best New Artist Bon Iver, Bruno Mars, the Foo Fighters, Gaga and Kanye, that this would be Adele’s night. Winner: Adele See above. Her comeback performance and well-deserved win were a shot in the arm to the recording industry and a win for the Academy for recognizing new talent. Winner: Foo Fighters The nice-guy Grammy-bait band had a big night and two high-energy performances that cemented their status as their generation’s most consistent, hard-working rock act. Plus, they pulled off that mashup with deadmau5 while totally keeping their dignity intact. Winner: EDM/Skrillex As if the millions of rave-happy kids across the planet needed the validation, Sunday night was the global coming-out party for the electronic dance music genre. Skrillex nabbed three awards , and the tribute segment featuring deadmau5 and David Guetta was one of the night’s most unexpected surprises. Loser: Lady Gaga Used to being the center of attention, Gaga kept her seat all night as she tried to look comfortable in a netted mask, metallic outfit and oversized golden cane. Winner: Chris Brown Making his return to the show three years after he scratched following his assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna , > link type=”content” id=”1679084″> Brown commanded the stage with an acrobatic performance. More importantly, while accepting the Best R&B Album award for F.A.M.E., he kept it brief and thanked the two constituencies that paved his road to redemption: his fans and the Recording Academy. Stick with MTV News all for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion , Grammy winners and performance recaps until the hangover wears off! Related Videos 2012 Grammy Awards Show Highlights 2012 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Highlights Grammys 2012: Experts React! Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards: Backstage And Audience 2012 Grammy Awards: Main Show Related Artists Adele LL Cool J Jennifer Hudson Nicki Minaj
The official results of an autopsy performed on Whitney Houston yesterday will not be released for weeks. But sources tell TMZ the family of this legend has been informed by the coroner’s office that Houston died from a lethal mixture of prescription pills, most notably Xanax, and alcohol. As previously confirmed, Houston was found unresponsive in her hotel room bathtub on Saturday afternoon and new reports identity the singer’s aunt, Mary Jones, as the individual who found her there and administered CPR on the bathroom floor. However, officials have told the family Whitney likely died prior to being submerged, as there was not enough water in the artist’s lungs to cite drowning as the cause of death. At last night’s Grammy Awards, meanwhile, host LL Cool J led the audience in a prayer for Houston, while Jennifer Hudson later paid emotional tribute to the icon via a rendition of ” I Will Always Love You .”
‘It’s amazing for our scene to finally get the respect that I think it deserves,’ Guetta tells MTV News. By Zachary Swickey deadmau5 performs at the 2012 Grammy Awards Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images While grandparents around the world celebrated the reunion of the Beach Boys at the 54th annual Grammy Awards , fans of electronic dance music held their glow sticks high after the dubstep movement’s leader, Skrillex (24-year-old Sonny Moore), took home three Grammys out of his impressive five nominations — not to mention the live performances from David Guetta and deadmau5 during the telecast. Skrillex — who went from fronting a screamo punk band to being a digital DJ in a few short years — managed to snag awards for Best Dance Album, Best Dance Recording (for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”) and Best Remix (for his “Cinema” collaboration with Benny Benassi). He lost out on his other two noms, for Best New Artist (folk crooner Bon Iver took that one ) and Best Short Form Music Video (a sweeping Adele nabbed that). Check out our top 10 EDM artists of 2011! EDM’s road to the mainstream hit a high also thanks in part to the particularly awesome pairing of Lil Wayne and Chris Brown for “I Can Only Imagine” with the turntables helmed by French super-producer David Guetta, who at 44 is finally getting some Stateside love (let’s not forget his other ridiculously catchy single “Memories” with Kid Cudi and current chart-dweller “Turn Me On” with Nicki Minaj). “It’s like having a rave outside the Grammys, and I love it!” Guetta told MTV News when asked about his performance before the show. Guetta was happy the EDM community is finally getting some Grammy love, saying, “It’s really exciting, because they wanted to acknowledge electronic dance music, and I think it’s amazing for our scene to finally get the respect that I think it deserves.” An even more surprising performance came from the Foo Fighters and their electronic-music breakdown courtesy of scene icon deadmau5 (many female fans in the crowd could even be seen donning neon “mau5-hats”) for the latter half of their hit tune “Rope.” “deadmau5 is maybe the only EDM artist I know, because we did a bunch of festivals over the summer, and for whatever reason, he would be headlining over there while we were headlining over here,” Grohl told MTV News. “I guess people thought that our audiences would split, but our audiences are compatible in a way, because what he does … rocks.” deadmau5 returned the gratitude to the Foo Fighters, telling us about their performance: “It was actually really well thought out over a month or so. Dave [and the Foo Fighters] were a natural choice for me, because I love their music.” Stick with MTV News for all the news on Whitney Houston’s tribute, the Grammy red-carpet fashion , Grammy winners and more until the hangover wears off! Related Videos 2012 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Highlights 2012 Grammy Awards Show Highlights Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards: Press Room 2012 Grammys Red Carpet Photos Related Artists deadmau5 David Guetta Afrojack
‘It’s amazing for our scene to finally get the respect that I think it deserves,’ Guetta tells MTV News. By Zachary Swickey deadmau5 performs at the 2012 Grammy Awards Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images While grandparents around the world celebrated the reunion of the Beach Boys at the 54th annual Grammy Awards , fans of electronic dance music held their glow sticks high after the dubstep movement’s leader, Skrillex (24-year-old Sonny Moore), took home three Grammys out of his impressive five nominations — not to mention the live performances from David Guetta and deadmau5 during the telecast. Skrillex — who went from fronting a screamo punk band to being a digital DJ in a few short years — managed to snag awards for Best Dance Album, Best Dance Recording (for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”) and Best Remix (for his “Cinema” collaboration with Benny Benassi). He lost out on his other two noms, for Best New Artist (folk crooner Bon Iver took that one ) and Best Short Form Music Video (a sweeping Adele nabbed that). Check out our top 10 EDM artists of 2011! EDM’s road to the mainstream hit a high also thanks in part to the particularly awesome pairing of Lil Wayne and Chris Brown for “I Can Only Imagine” with the turntables helmed by French super-producer David Guetta, who at 44 is finally getting some Stateside love (let’s not forget his other ridiculously catchy single “Memories” with Kid Cudi and current chart-dweller “Turn Me On” with Nicki Minaj). “It’s like having a rave outside the Grammys, and I love it!” Guetta told MTV News when asked about his performance before the show. Guetta was happy the EDM community is finally getting some Grammy love, saying, “It’s really exciting, because they wanted to acknowledge electronic dance music, and I think it’s amazing for our scene to finally get the respect that I think it deserves.” An even more surprising performance came from the Foo Fighters and their electronic-music breakdown courtesy of scene icon deadmau5 (many female fans in the crowd could even be seen donning neon “mau5-hats”) for the latter half of their hit tune “Rope.” “deadmau5 is maybe the only EDM artist I know, because we did a bunch of festivals over the summer, and for whatever reason, he would be headlining over there while we were headlining over here,” Grohl told MTV News. “I guess people thought that our audiences would split, but our audiences are compatible in a way, because what he does … rocks.” deadmau5 returned the gratitude to the Foo Fighters, telling us about their performance: “It was actually really well thought out over a month or so. Dave [and the Foo Fighters] were a natural choice for me, because I love their music.” Stick with MTV News for all the news on Whitney Houston’s tribute, the Grammy red-carpet fashion , Grammy winners and more until the hangover wears off! Related Videos 2012 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Highlights 2012 Grammy Awards Show Highlights Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards: Press Room 2012 Grammys Red Carpet Photos Related Artists deadmau5 David Guetta Afrojack
Clive Davis discovered Whitney Houston at a NYC nightclub when the singer was 20 years old. It was therefore eerie and appropriate that the artist passed away, possibly from an overdose on prescription drugs , just a few hours prior to the music producer’s annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The somber event did proceed as scheduled – with attendees including Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert, Brandy, Tom Hanks, P Diddy, Kim Kardashian and Mary J. Blige – and Davis opened the shindig with remarks abut Houston. “So, by now sadly, we have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotions. Not in front of this room full of so many dear friends,” Davis said. “I do have a very heavy heart and I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. “She was so looking forward to tonight… She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.” A moment of silence followed, with Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys later performing. On tonight’s Grammys telecast, meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney.
‘Now that so many eyes are on me, I feel I have to deliver,’ rapper says in interview with Paper magazine. By Tomika L. Anderson Nicki Minaj Photo: Getty Images Fame is beginning to go to Nicki Minaj ‘s head, but not in the way you might think. The Grammy-nominated rapper revealed to Paper magazine that the more successful she becomes, the more pressure she feels to deliver — and that all that stress is taking a psychological toll. “Ugh! I have been working so much,” the 29-year-old tells interviewer Simon Doonan, Barneys New York’s creative ambassador at large. “Success came, and now that so many eyes are on me, I feel I have to deliver. And it’s a business. No joke. I guess I’m stressing more than I should be, and I think I am becoming more guarded.” To relax, Ms. Minaj admits to indulging in reality TV — and apparently, a lot of it. “I love [‘Mob Wives’ star] Big Ang … And I love the way those girls talk to each other: ‘Don’t YOU be coming at ME!!!’ I love every freakin’ moment. And I watch ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and ‘[The Real Housewives of] Beverly Hills.’ ” Music, of course, is also an emotional outlet for the rap star. She says the process of recording her upcoming album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, made her feel “very free.” “The album is like a collage of all my emotions. I’m not sticking to any particular style. I am doing what I feel without restrictions. So it’s very free and very me.” The issue hits stands on February 20. Meanwhile, look for Minaj this Sunday at the Grammys , where she is expected to perform her new single “Roman Holiday.” She is also up for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for “Moment 4 Life” with Drake. Are you excited to hear “Roman Holiday” at the Grammys? Leave your comment below! Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don’t miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn’t end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off! Related Videos A Guide To The Grammys 2012 Related Photos 2012 Grammy Nominees Related Artists Nicki Minaj
Rapper also looks back on his own past Grammy wins and says he’s ‘coming right back at ’em soon.’ By Kelley L. Carter Nicki Minaj Photo: D. Dipasupil/FilmMagic Ludacris knows how good it feels to win a Grammy. The Atlanta-based rapper has three in his collection, and he’s hoping his eighth studio album, Ludaversal, brings him a few more. No release date has been set, but it’s expected sometime this year. Luda won his first Grammy for his collaboration with Usher for 2004’s contagious single “Yeah.” “Man, it was a great feeling. I’m happy to be working with Usher again on the Ludaversal album so we can come back and win yet another Grammy,” Luda told MTV News on Thursday. “My best Grammy experience was winning Best Rap Album for Release Therapy (which was released in 2006). I worked hard on that album specifically to win a Grammy, and I accomplished my goal. So no words can explain how great that felt. But we’re coming right back at ’em soon.” His pick for Sunday night is clear: He wants to see Nicki Minaj to win Best New Artist. He worked with the MC on 2010’s “My Chick Bad,” off his Battle of the Sexes album. “I’m looking forward to seeing Nicki Minaj. I love her. I’m glad I got a chance to work with her. I’m extremely proud of her,” he said. “She’s just scratching the surface of what she’s capable of. So Nicki: keep doing your thing, girl.” Should Nicki Minaj win Best New Artist? Leave your comment below! Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don’t miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn’t end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off! Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards Pre-Parties 2012 Grammy Performers 2012 Grammy Rehearsals Related Artists Nicki Minaj Ludacris
MTV News sought out experts (and the slightly uninformed) to get predictions for Sunday’s Grammy Awards. By James Montgomery Photo: Getty Images/ MTV News Ever since the nominees for the 54th Grammy Awards were announced late last year, we’ve asked everyone from Vegas-tested professionals to cubicle-dwelling amateurs to predict just who will take home the golden gramophones during Sunday’s big show. And basically, they keep telling us the same thing: Adele is just going to win everything. And they’re probably right. After all, her 21 album is an unstoppable juggernaut, selling more than 6 million copies in less than a year, spawning two massive singles and almost singlehandedly keeping the industry afloat during dour times. So, yeah, we feel pretty comfortable referring to her as “the favorite.” Still, it’s not as if Adele’s Grammy-night triumph is a sure thing (not entirely anyway): In three of the so-called “Big Four” categories — Album, Record and Song of the Year — she’ll face stiff challenges from the likes of Mumford & Sons, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Kanye West, to name just a few. In the other “Big Four” category (Best New Artist), she’s not nominated — mostly because she won it in 2009. So with music’s biggest night just around the corner, here’s a refresher on just who our expert oddsmakers — and resident awards-show expert (uh, me ) picked to win at the 54th Grammys: Record of the Year Not surprisingly, the U.K.-based oddsmakers at Ladbrokes like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” here, installing it as the favorite at 2/1 odds. Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave” was next, at 9/4 odds, followed by Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” at 4/1. I decided to go out on a limb and predict Bon Iver’s “Holocene” would build on Arcade Fire’s unlikely Album of the Year win at last year’s Grammys and shock everyone by winning ROTY. Who’s right? Well, probably the pros, but we’ll just have to wait until Sunday to know for sure. Song of the Year Ladbrokes once again goes for Adele, giving “Rolling in the Deep” 1/1 odds to win. Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” is next at 2/1, followed by Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave” at 5/1. Me? I’m taking “Deep” too — mostly because it was the year’s biggest track, and one look back at previous SOTY winners (“Rehab,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” etc.) shows you which way this category tends to go. Album of the Year Ladbrokes has Adele’s 21 as the slight favorite here, giving the disc 11/8 odds. Close behind are Bruno Mars’ Doo Wops & Hooligans and the Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light, each of whom got 3/1 odds. I also picked 21 to win, but unlike the betting Brits, I didn’t think this one would even be close. Best New Artist Absent of Adele, BNA may very well be the night’s most-competitive category. Ladbrokes certainly seems to agree with that sentiment, as they’ve installed Nicki Minaj as the slight favorite (6/4 odds), but also kept the Band Perry (9/4), Bon Iver (4/1) and J. Cole (5/1) within striking distance. As for me, I took Minaj too, though I’m not sure how confident I feel about it now. I could certainly see the Band Perry winning instead, though my gut tells me that perhaps it’ll be Bon Iver who takes this one home — we’ll just have to wait until Sunday to see. Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don’t miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn’t end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off! Related Videos A Guide To The Grammys 2012 Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards Pre-Parties 2012 Grammy Performers 2012 Grammy Nominees Related Artists Adele Katy Perry Nicki Minaj
